By Geno McGahee
Julio Cesar Martinez, 14-1, 11 KO’s, scored a big upset, knocking out the WBC Flyweight Champion, Charlie Edwards, 15-1, 6 KO’s, in the third round but a late body shot is in question. Martinez came on strong from the opening bell and was dominating the fight. Edwards didn’t have any answers as the Mexican brawler came forward hard and heavy.
In the third round, a barrage of punches put Edwards down. While down, a left hook to the body from Martinez put the defending champion in extreme pain and down for the count. It is likely that Martinez had his number and was on his way to a knockout win with or without the late shot, but it does add a layer of controversy to this fight. There is no question that Martinez hit him when he was down.
Eddie Hearn, the promoter for Edwards, is looking for a rematch immediately and cited the foul against his fighter. It adds to the old debate as to whether instant replays should be used in calls like this one.
